Structures for hunting and the like

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the invention are directed to a structure comprising a panel, a hub assembly, four panel support rods, and a mounting rod. The panel defines four corners. At the same time, each of the four panel support rods spans from the hub assembly to a respective one of the four corners. The mounting rod spans from the assembly so that at least a portion of the mounting rod projects beyond the panel. The mounting rod may be used to fixate the structure to a ground surface or to a tree stand.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fabric structures, and, more particularly, to fabric structures suitable as hunting blinds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fabric structures are regularly used while hunting to provide camouflage. Nevertheless, many such fabric structure designs do not blend into their surroundings in a natural manner, and/or are burdensome to transport, set-up, and take down. For this reason, there is a need for fabric structure designs that address these various shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention address the above-identified needs by providing fabric structures suitable as hunting blinds. Advantageously, these fabric structures are easily transported, set-up, and taken down. At the same time, the fabric structures may be deployed on the ground or in a tree stand.

Aspects of the invention are directed to a structure comprising a panel, a hub assembly, four panel support rods, and a mounting rod. The panel defines four corners. At the same time, each of the four panel support rods spans from the hub assembly to a respective one of the four corners. The mounting rod spans from the assembly so that at least a portion of the mounting rod projects beyond the panel. The mounting rod may be used to fixate the structure to a ground surface or to a tree stand.

Additional aspects of the invention are directed to a tree stand, the tree stand comprising a platform, a mounting block, and a structure. The mounting block is attached to the platform and defines a hole. The structure, in turn, comprises a panel defining four corners, a hub assembly, four panel support rods, and a mounting rod. Each of the four panel support rods span from the hub assembly to a respective one of the four corners of the structure. The mounting block spans from the hub assembly so that at least a portion of the mounting rod projects beyond the panel. The mounting rod is also inserted into the hole in the mounting block.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a structure in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a rear elevational view of the FIG. 1 structure;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the FIG. 1 structure while folded;

FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view of a hub assembly and rods in the FIG. 1 structure;

FIG. 5 shows a rear elevational view of the FIG. 4 hub assembly and rods;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the FIG. 4 hub assembly and rods;

FIG. 7 shows a front elevational view of a hub in the FIG. 4 hub assembly;

FIG. 8 shows a rear elevational view of the hub in the FIG. 4 hub assembly;

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the FIG. 4 hub assembly and rods cut along the plane indicated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the FIG. 1 structure attached to a tree stand, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a mounting block in the FIG. 10 structure and tree stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described with reference to illustrative embodiments. For this reason, numerous modifications can be made to these embodiments and the results will still come within the scope of the invention. No limitations with respect to the specific embodiments described herein are intended or should be inferred.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a structure 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view, while FIG. 2 shows a rear elevational view. In the present non-limiting, illustrative embodiment, the structure 100 forms a “fence-like” ground blind for use while hunting. A hunter may occupy the region to the rear of the structure 100, where the hunter will not be readily visible to game.

The structure 100 comprises three interconnected fabric panels 105. Each of the three fabric panels 105 is supported by a respective hub assembly 110, from which project five rods. In a representative one of the fabric panels 105, for example, four support rods 115 span from the hub assembly 110 to each of the four corners of the fabric panel 105, where they terminate in four pockets 120. At the same time, a fifth mounting rod 125 spans from the hub assembly 110 so that a portion of the mounting rod 125 projects beyond the bottom edge of the fabric panel 105 at a substantially normal angle to that bottom edge. The support rods 115 thereby act to expand the fabric panels 105, while the downward-facing mounting rods 125 may be inserted into a ground surface so as to provide support for the fabric panels 105. In the present illustrative embodiment, the support rods 115 and the mounting rods 125 have substantially the same length, although alternative embodiments may utilize rods 115, 125 of different lengths.

The fabric panels 105 define a plurality of flaps 130 therein (FIG. 1). The flaps 130 allow wind to pass through the fabric panels 105 without placing undue stress on the mounting rods 125. The flaps 130 also lend the fabric panels 105 a “leaf-like,” ragged appearance that aids in giving the structure 100 a natural appearance. In the present illustrative embodiment, the fabric panels 105 further define reinforcing fabric patches 135, to which the hub assemblies 110 attach (FIG. 2). A top edge of each of the fabric panels 105 is arcuate to aid the hunter in seeing over the structure 100 and shooting game (by, e.g., bow or gun).

Advantageously, the structure 100 may be folded into a compact form to aid in transport and storage. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the structure 100 while folded and contained by a band 140. The band 140 may utilize a hook-and-loop type fastener, snaps, buckles, and the like. Once transported to the site where the structure is to be raised, the band 140 may be removed and the structure 100 quickly erected without the use of tools.

Details of a representative one of the hub assemblies 110 and its respective rods 115, 125 are provided in FIGS. 4-9. FIG. 4 shows a front elevational view, while FIG. 5 shows a rear elevational view, and FIG. 6 shows an exploded view. FIGS. 7 and 8 show front and rear elevational views, respectively, of a hub 145 in the hub assembly 110. Finally, FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of the hub assembly 110 and rods 115, 125 taken along the plane indicated in FIG. 5.

The hub assembly 110 comprises the hub 145, a wire 150, a cover plate 155, a bolt 160, a washer 165, and a nut 170. The hub 145 itself defines a front face 175, a rear face 180, a circular edge 185, five cavities 190, a circular slot 195, and a central opening 200 (FIGS. 7 and 8). Each of the five cavities 190 is itself defined by a combination of a respective aperture 205, and a respective channel 210 in the front face 175 of the hub 145. The apertures 205 are arranged radially about the central opening 200, and each aperture 205 passes completely through the hub 145. Each channel 210, in contrast, only passes about two-thirds of the way from the front face 175 to the rear face 180 of the hub 145, and is arranged so that it spans between a respective one of the apertures 205 and the circular edge 185 of the hub 145. Accordingly, each of the cavities 190, being a combination of a respective aperture 205 and a respective channel 210, effectively intersects both faces 175, 180 of the hub 145, as well as the circular edge 185 of the hub 145. The circular slot 195 in the front face 175 of the hub passes about one-half of the way from the front face 175 to the rear face 180 of the hub 145, and intersects all five of the apertures 205 approximately at their centers.

In the present illustrative embodiment, each of the support rods 115 and the mounting rod 125 is actually formed of two parts: a respective proximal rod portion 212 and a respective distal rod portion 215 (FIG. 6). The proximal rod portions 212 each define a cylindrical tube with a transverse hole 220 passing therethrough. The distal end portions 215, in comparison, are substantially solid. Each of the proximal support rod portions 212 crimps onto a respective distal rod portion 215. In alternative embodiments, however, the proximal rod portions 212 may be attached to the distal rod portions 215 utilizing other means such as, but not limited to, fasteners and adhesives. In even further embodiments, moreover, the rods 115, 125 may be unitary elements.

When assembled, the bottom-facing cavity 190 is occupied by the proximal end of the mounting rod 125, while each of the remaining four cavities 190 are occupied by respective proximal ends of the support rods 115 (FIG. 6). At the same time, the wire 150 is disposed in the circular slot 195, where it passes through the transverse holes 220 in these rods 115, 125. The cover plate 155 traps the wire 150 within the circular slot 195. The bolt 160 passes through the cover plate 155, the central opening 200 of the hub 145, the washer 165, and is finally captured by the nut 170. To fixate the hub assembly 110 to one of the fabric panels 105, the fabric panel 105 (with its reinforcing patch 135) may be captured between the hub 145 and the washer 165.

Arranged in this manner, the support rods 115 and the mounting rod 125 can each be rotated between a folded position (FIG. 3) and an expanded position (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the expanded position, the support rods 115 and the mounting rods 125 radiate outward from the hub assemblies 110 like spokes on a wheel, although they are not uniformly distributed. Because of the geometries of the circular slots 195 and the channels 210 inside the hubs 145, each of the support rods 115, when in the expanded state, can be rotated past a plane 225 that is parallel with the front and rear faces 175, 180 of its respective hubs 145 (FIG. 9). Advantageously, this gives the support rods 115 of the hub assemblies 110 the ability to “lock” into their expanded positions when used with tightly fitted fabric panels 105 (i.e., fabric panels 105 that place a substantial compressive force on the support rods 115 when being expanded thereby). More precisely, when acting to stretch a tightly-fitted fabric panel 105, the compressive forces acting on the support rods 115 in response to stretching the fabric panel 105 are at a maximum when the support rods 115 are in the plane 225, and are somewhat relieved when they rotate past the plane 225. A potential barrier to moving the support rods 115 back through the plane 225 in the opposite direction (i.e., towards the folded position) is thereby created. This allows each of the hub assemblies 110 to be “popped” into and out of its expanded state when setting up the structure 100. Once expanded, the hub assemblies 110 tend to stay expanded.

The fabric forming the fabric panels 105 preferably exhibits a camouflage pattern suitable to the environment in which the hunting is to occur. The fabric may comprise, for example, canvas, nylon, or polyester. The various components of the hub assemblies 110 can comprise metal, plastic, wood, as well as any other suitable materials. Once understood from the teachings herein, the various components forming the hub assemblies 110 can be fabricated utilizing conventional fabrication techniques and/or sourced from commercial vendors.

It is noted that, in addition to being suitable for use on the ground, the structure 100 may also be mounted on a conventional tree stand, giving the hunter the ability to be elevated above the ground while remaining concealed. FIG. 10 shows the structure 100 mounted to a tree stand 1000, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the structure 100 is mounted to the tree stand 1000 utilizing three mounting blocks 1005. The three mounting blocks 1005, in turn, are fixated to three respective edges of a platform 1010 of the tree stand 1000. The three mounting rods 125 of the structure 100 are inserted into these three mounting blocks 1005 to produce the arrangement that is illustrated.

The tree stand 1000 can be a conventional tree stand, such as one available from, as just one example, CABELA'S® Inc. (Sidney, Nebr., USA). FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a representative mounting block 1005. The mounting block comprises a u-shaped body 1015 and a threaded bolt 1020 (with a knob 1025) operative to capture a rung of the tree stand's platform 1010. Two mounting holes 1030 penetrate a wall of the u-shaped body 1015 at different angles, and are adapted to receive a mounting rod 125 of the structure 100. The two different angles allow the hunter to choose at which angle the structure 100 is oriented relative to the tree stand 1000. As indicated in FIG. 10, attaching the structure 100 to the tree stand 1000 in this manner (in combination with the tree) acts to hide the hunter in the tree stand 1000 from all angles.

It should again be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative only. Other embodiments can use different types and arrangements of elements for implementing the described functionality. These numerous alternative embodiments within the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

For example, while a preferred hub assembly has been described above, it should be recognized that alternative hub assemblies capable of accommodating five rods may also be utilized, and the results would still fall within the scope of the invention. An alternative hub assembly is described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,582 to Livacich et al. and entitled “System for concealment and shelter with structure for rapid setup and tight skin,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Moreover, all the features disclosed herein may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purposes, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 

1. A structure comprising: a panel, the panel defining four corners; a hub assembly; four panel support rods, each of the four panel support rods spanning from the hub assembly to a respective one of the four corners; and a mounting rod, the mounting rod spanning from the hub assembly so that at least a portion of the mounting rod projects beyond the panel.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises fabric.
 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the panel describes a camouflage pattern.
 4. The structure of claim 1, wherein the panel defines a plurality of flaps therein.
 5. The structure of claim 1, wherein an edge of the panel is arcuate.
 6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises four pockets, each of the four pockets receiving a respective one of the four panel support rods.
 7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the hub assembly is directly attached to the panel.
 8. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a wire, the wire passing through the four panel support rods and the mounting rod.
 9. The structure of claim 8, wherein: the hub defines a circular slot; and the wire is disposed in the circular slot.
 10. The structure of claim 1, wherein the hub defines five cavities, each of the five cavities occupied by a respective one of the four panel support rods and the mounting rod.
 11. The structure of claim 10, wherein: the hub defines two faces and a circular edge; and each of the five cavities intersects the two faces and the circular edge.
 12. The structure of claim 1, wherein the four panel support rods and the mounting rod are operative to rotate inside the hub.
 13. The structure of claim 1, wherein the four panel support rods and the mounting rod have substantially a same length.
 14. The structure of claim 1, wherein the mounting rod projects beyond an edge of the panel at a substantially normal angle to the edge.
 15. The structure of claim 1, further comprising: a second panel, the second panel attached to a first edge of the panel; and a third panel, the third panel attached to a second edge of the panel.
 16. The structure of claim 1, wherein the mounting rod is insertable into a ground surface.
 17. The structure of claim 1, further comprising: a tree stand; and a mounting block, the mounting block attached to the tree stand and comprising an hole; wherein the mounting rod is inserted into the hole.
 18. A tree stand, the tree stand comprising; a platform; a mounting block, the mounting block attached to the platform and defining a hole; and a structure, the structure comprising: a panel, the panel defining four corners; a hub assembly; four panel support rods, each of the four panel support rods spanning from the hub assembly to a respective one of the four corners; and a mounting rod, the mounting rod spanning from the hub assembly so that at least a portion of the mounting rod projects beyond the panel; wherein the mounting rod is inserted into the hole. 